For those that decided to skip reading the Francois Rabelais literature classic Gargantua and Pantagruel, Canadiana Grotesquica, the new, seventh album by Geoff Berner might be a helpful hint of what they have missed.
Like Rabelais’ novel, Berner’s album is an exercise in grotesque, this time Canadian style. With a mix of country, or, since Canadiana is mentioned, some might say, Americana.
Well not really. Besides incorporating much more sounds from around the world (for example, most of Berner’s previous albums were klezmer), Canadiana also deals with things specifically Canadian, like hockey players (“Gino Odjick), Canadian singers trying to be too country (“Phoney Drawl”), or being real country (“Don’t Play Cards For Money with Corbey Lund”).
But then, Berner, who’s a brilliant accordion player and who’s second novel is due out soon too, is more of a political commentator with a penchant for sarcasm (try “Hustle Advisory”). No wonder Billy Bragg said this about Berner: “Cherish him, cherish him, for there really is no one like him. Fantastic."
So in essence, what we got on Canadiana Grotesquica is a Canadian combination of Billy Bragg and Kinky Friedman, something that just by judging from that description can solidly fan flat on its face.
And it certainly doesn’t. For two reasons. First of all, Berner’s sharp tongue doesn’t miss a point and he has a voice that can transfer those words into good (albeit country) songs.
Secondly, the musical team participating on Canadiana Grotesquica is absolutely brilliant. It all starts with Berner himself and produces/guitar player Paul Rigby. Then you have people like Frazey Ford on backing vocals and former Po Girl violin player Diona Davies adding her notes.
On the whole, listening to this album, you get that country feel, but shall we say twice removed. Once with Berner’s lyrics and secondly with those northerly wind breezes (or harsh hits) that can blow from Canada towards Kansas.
Oh, while you listen to the album, you might as well pick up and read a copy of Francois Rabelais classic. A long read, by the way, but a great one though.
